Exposed

A far-right thug who seriously injured a photographer during the Dover protests by beating him with a flagpole has been jailed for seven years.

Peter Atkinson, 46, of Brunswick Mews in Birkenhead, Merseyside, is one of more than 50 people arrested so far in connection with disturbances on Saturday, January 30.

Shortly after 1.40pm, Atkinson and a number of other demonstrators started walking towards the photographer, who was taking pictures of the event alongside other journalists in a side road near Folkestone Road.

The man attempted to run but slipped and fell to the ground, where Atkinson repeatedly attacked him with the pole until it snapped in two. He then fled the scene.

A police officer came across the victim and provided him with first aid before he was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Photos were taken of the assault, which left the victim with multiple bone splinters to his elbow, and at 3.45pm Atkinson was identified and arrested. He was searched and found to be in possession of a small rock.

Chief Superintendent Andrea Bishop of Kent Police said: “My officers are continuing to work tirelessly to identify all those responsible for offences committed both before and during the demonstrations in Dover on January 30.

“Peter Atkinson’s actions were completely unacceptable and left a man with significant and long-lasting injuries to his arm.

“Kent Police has a statutory duty to facilitate peaceful protest but we will not tolerate anyone who comes to Dover intent on causing trouble.

“I hope the sentence Atkinson has received today sends a clear message to those planning to attend future demonstrations in the town that if you cause trouble and commit a crime, you will be tracked down, arrested and put before the courts.”

The far-right plan to head back to Dover on May 28 and 29.Dover Express